SP40 — Exceeding a Passenger Vehicle Speed Limit

Minibus, bus and coach speed limits are lower than car limits — and the stakes for professional drivers are higher.

SP40 is the offence code for exceeding the speed limit that applies to passenger vehicles — minibuses, buses and coaches. Like vans, these classes carry lower limits than cars: typically 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways, and 65–70mph on motorways depending on the vehicle.

For anyone driving passengers professionally, the consequences go past the £100 and 3 points: operators, licensing authorities and insurers all take an interest in endorsements. Checking the ticket’s procedure and the vehicle classification before accepting is basic due diligence.

SP40 essentials

1. Applies to minibuses, buses and coaches — lower limits than the posted car limits.
2. Fixed penalty £100 + 3 points; means-tested court fines above that.
3. Professional consequences: operator policies and PSV licensing can be affected by endorsements.
4. The correct limit depends on vehicle length and weight — misclassification is a real challenge ground.
5. Endorsement stays on the record for 4 years.

I drive a minibus for work — will my employer find out?

Points go on your personal driving record, which employers running driver checks will see. Some operators require self-reporting. Resolving the ticket correctly — or challenging a flawed one — protects your position either way.

Are course offers available for SP40?

Speed awareness offers are at each force’s discretion and are generally available for marginal speeds regardless of code — but not if you’ve attended a course within 3 years.

What makes an SP40 challengeable?

The usual grounds — late NIP, wrong details, signage or device issues — plus vehicle classification: the alleged limit must actually apply to the vehicle as configured on the day.

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